Together We Cope honors volunteers at luncheon

About 100 south suburban residents were honored recently for their volunteer work at Together We Cope. The honors were bestowed during an appreciation luncheon in June, and included special recognition for the longest serving volunteers.

Len Schaafsma of Oak Forest (shown with his wife Carol) was honored for 30 years of service to Together We Cope.

Introduced by Kathryn Straniero, TWC’s executive director, as “Together We Cope’s elder statesman,” Len Schaafsma of Oak Forest received a 30-year pin for his service in many capacities at the agency. His volunteer service includes previous membership on the agency’s board of directors, and work as the board’s treasurer for many years. Additionally, Schaafsma volunteers on a daily basis at the agency doing everything from maintenance to truck unloading. As he accepted his award at the luncheon, Schaafsma took the microphone to thank in turn the 100 assembled guests who volunteer in the agency’s food pantry, resale shop, office and for special events and fundraising.

Three area residents were honored for 25 years of service to Together We Cope. From left are Frank Trombley of Country Club Hills, and Mary Ann and Bill Baer of Orland Park.

Frank Trombley of Country Club Hills, president of the board, was honored for 25 years in that volunteer role, as well as for his regular contribution of many hours managing the agency’s IT division. Another special award was presented to Orland Park residents Bill and Mary Ann Baer, both of whom volunteered at the agency for 25 years in various capacities. Mary Ann Baer also was a longtime director of development for TWC as it grew substantially over the years.

Jan Schweig of Tinley Park was honored for most hours volunteered at Together We Cope in 2017.

TWC also announced its annual winners for most hours volunteered the previous year. In 2017, Jan Schweig of Tinley Park gave 1,403 hours. Len Schaafsma of Oak Forest gave 1,148 hours, while Jerry Saletta of Tinley Park gave 1,047 hours.

Special recognition also was given to volunteers and staff members celebrating special anniversaries with TWC in 2018. Maria Riha and Karen Roman were honored for 20 years of service, while Shirley Kurasz and Linda Macak received 15-year service pins. Ten-year award winners were Bernadette DeMunnick, Lynn Findley, Elaine Juskie, Tina Kessens, Sharon Marth, Dolores Morrow, Linda Pilcher, Marge Seltzner, Joanne Shear and Cathy Trongeau. Those marking five years of service were Ron Berkholtz, Emily Durante, Ralph Elget, Diane Krachey, Tita Mendoza, Justine Pavlock, Beth Robinson, Tom Siniawski, Philip Tracy and Susan Yadron.

Online donations

Events Calendar

Fri. March 8Free produce distributed in Markham by the Greater Chicago Food Depository Produce Mobile. Second Friday every month (excluding holidays) from 10:30 a.m. until supplies run out. Arrive early. No income or age guidelines to participate. Bremen Township Administrative Office, 16361 Kedzie Parkway, Markham. For information call 708-333-9530.

Fri. April 12Free produce distributed in Markham by the Greater Chicago Food Depository Produce Mobile. Second Friday every month (excluding holidays) from 10:30 a.m. until supplies run out. Arrive early. No income or age guidelines to participate. Bremen Township Administrative Office, 16361 Kedzie Parkway, Markham. For information call 708-333-9530.

I WAS IN THERE TODAY WITH MY GRANDSON and he had been crying because he had just found out his bike was stolen! This kind woman took him by his hand and led him to 6 bikes and let him take whichever one he wanted! The tears stopped because of this act of kindness! — Marianne

GREAT MISSION, good thrift store! I’ve been on the receiving end and now the giving end. Thankful for it! — Tricia

AMAZING ORGANIZATION . . . so kind. Seeing all they do for the community is impressive. Thank you for helping us supply so many young students with prom dresses, you guys are THE BEST!!! Great Heart! — Whitmore Ace Hardware

I DONATE FOOD BAGS AS OFTEN AS I CAN; as well as toys, school items, and items for re-sale — knowing that they will be put to good use. Thank you everyone at TWC for all you do. — Janelle

NICE HELPFUL STAFF, clean environment, and they don’t make you wait all day. — Patricia

THEY DO SO MUCH FOR THE COMMUNITY! I am proud to say that I am a client there. My family could not survive without the food pantry. The staff and volunteers are the nicest people. No one has ever made me feel lower or less than. I thank God for Together We Cope! — Natasha